Velas: Witness the Magical Sea Turtle Festival in Maharashtra

On the Konkan coast of Maharashtra lies a small, sleepy village called Velas, which has become famous for one of nature’s most magical events—the annual Velas Turtle Festival. Every year, hundreds of tiny olive ridley sea turtles hatch from the sands of Velas beach and make their first crawl towards the vast Arabian Sea. Watching these fragile little creatures take their first steps into the ocean is a sight that leaves visitors awestruck and humbled.

The festival, usually held between February and April, is not just a tourist attraction but a remarkable example of community-driven conservation. Years ago, turtle eggs here were often lost to predators or poachers. To protect them, the local NGO Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra, along with villagers, started carefully relocating eggs into protected enclosures on the beach. When the hatchlings are ready, they are gently released back into the sea, giving them a safer start to life.

Visitors to Velas during the festival get to witness this breathtaking moment twice a day—once at sunrise and again at sunset—when baby turtles are released. The sight of dozens of hatchlings scuttling over the sand, guided only by the shimmer of waves, is nothing short of magical. It’s also an experience that makes you reflect on the fragile balance of nature and the importance of conservation.

But Velas offers more than just turtles. This coastal village is a perfect escape for travellers seeking peace and authenticity. The homestays run by locals provide a warm, rustic experience of Konkani culture, with traditional food and simple hospitality. Beyond the beach, visitors can explorethe  Harihareshwar temple, take a ferry ride across the river to Bankot Fort, or simply wander through the lush coconut groves and paddy fields that dot the village.